Opening and closingCONTROLS
39
3.On the opposite side of the vehicle, insert
the retaining pin 1 into the opening,
pushing against the spring load.
4. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it
engages.
5. Fold up the upper part of the wind deflector.
If a seat is in its rearmost position, do not
recline the backrest t oo far; otherwise, the
wind deflector could be damaged. <
Removing and folding
Remove the deflector following the reverse
sequence.
Push the release lever toward the center of the
wind deflector and fold both halves together.
MINI Roadster: manual
convertible top
General information
The fully automatic convertible top provides
protection from the weather, combined with
simple and easy operation.
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most
enjoyment out of your MINI Roadster:
>It is recommended that you close the con-
vertible top whenever the vehicle is parked.
The closed convertible top not only protects
the vehicle interior from damage due to
unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a
certain degree of protection against theft.
Always keep your valuables inside the
locked luggage compartment, even if the
convertible top is closed.
> Do not mount any roof rack systems on the
convertible top.
Do not leave a wet convertible top open
for more than one day, since the humidity
may cause damages.
Do not place any objects on the convertible top,
as they could otherwise fall off while the con-
vertible top is being op erated and result in
property damage or personal injury.
Always completely finish the operation of the
convertible top. Driving off before an opening or
closing procedure is completely finished can
lead to property damage or personal injury.
During the opening an d closing operation,
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible
top linkage or other moving parts. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the convertible
top.
Only open or close the convertible top when the
vehicle is stopped. <
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. If operating the con-
vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge,
or similar low structure, ensure the minimum
clearance is 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle
may be damaged. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Opening and closingCONTROLS
41
the vehicle interior from damage due to
unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a
certain degree of protection against theft.
Always keep your valuables inside the
locked luggage compartment, even if the
convertible top is closed.
> If the temperature drops below +14 7/
–10 6, do not operate the convertible top;
otherwise, damage may occur.
> Do not mount any roof rack systems on the
convertible top.
For reasons of safety, operate the conver-
tible top only while the vehicle is not
moving, if possible.
During the opening an d closing operation,
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible
top linkage or other moving parts. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the convertible
top.
Do not place any objects on the convertible top,
as they could otherwise fall off while the con-
vertible top is being op erated and result in
property damage or personal injury.
Always completely finish the operation of the
convertible top. Driving off before an opening or
closing procedure is completely finished can
lead to property damage or personal injury.
Do not leave a wet convertible top open for
more than one day, since the humidity may
cause damages. <
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. If operating the con-
vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge,
or similar low structure, ensure the minimum
clearance is 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle
may be damaged. <
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed
while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h.
Only operate the convertible top when
traffic conditions permit and vehicle con-
trol is not affected; otherwise, an accident may
occur. Do not operate the convertible top when the
vehicle is moving in reverse, because rear visibi-
lity is severely restrict
ed while the convertible
top is opening or closing. Do not operate the
convertible top when driving on winding and
rough roads or during windy conditions. <
For better control
Indicator lamp lights up. Convertible top
has stopped moving. Convertible top is
fully open.
Indicator lamp lights up. Convertible top
has stopped moving. Close convertible
top using the handle.
Malfunction
The "Convertible top not locked" indicator lamp
lights up, see page 182.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous. <
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the switch for the convertible top
operation is released. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate switch.
If the opening or closing operation is interrupted
by releasing the switch, the convertible top
remains in the current position. The procedure
can be continued by pressing the appropriate
switch.
The opening and closing pr ocedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical blockage. In this
case, in order to operate the convertible top
again:
1. Switch off the ignition and then switch it on
again.
2. Press the switch to continue the procedure
in the desired direction.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
85
Airbags
1Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective action
Observe the instructions on page 45 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The side/head airbag sup-
ports the body in the lateral chest area as well as
the head.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover si tuations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes the upholstery in the center of the steering wheel,
on the instrument panel, the doors, and the roof
pillars as well as the side
s of the headliner. Do
not attempt to remove or dismantle the steering
wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfuncti ons, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of
airbag generators executed only by a MINI
dealer or a workshop th at works according to
repair procedures of the manufacturer of your
MINI with correspondingly trained personnel
and has the required explosives licenses. Other-
wise, unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to fail ure in an emergency or
undesired airbag activation, either of which
could result in personal injury. <
Warning notices and in formation about the
airbags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side
airbags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger
airbags below. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page 51.
The front and side airbag s can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position
so that the front passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
112
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 203; otherwise, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no longer
assured and the vehicle will not be in compli-
ance with the construction and use regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page 52; they may
become damaged. <
Rear luggage rack
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Please note the information con-
tained in the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are under the protective
caps in the bumper.
Push out the caps at the respective slots.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that the maximum
allowed roof load, the gross vehicle weight and
the axle loads are not exceeded.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 203.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of
different factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affect ed by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove luggage rack if no longer needed after
use.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engi ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its
operating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead and smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Sunroof/Convertible topExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and
continue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed! Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If
convertible top secu
rely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page 36. Have your MINI dealer
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page 36.
Sunroof/Convertible top Control system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof ma
nually, refer to
page 36. Contact your MINI dealer.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closed Close the tailgate.
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top is
completely open
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top
movement has ended. Close
convertible top using the handle
Lights up in yellow:
Rear spoiler extended, also see
page 78 Rear spoiler extended. Before driving
into a car wash, retract the rear
spoiler.
Rear spoiler, also see page 78Rear spoiler does not extend
completely. Drive slowly and have it
checked at your ne arest MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCETechnical data
198
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
1Vehicle height without roof
antenna 54.3/1,378 54.5/1,384 54.5/1,385
2 Track, front
57.4/1,459 57.2/1,453 57.2/1,453
3 Vehicle width, with outside mi
rror 74.5/1,892 74.5/1,892 74.5/1,892
4 Track, rear
57.8/1,467 57.5/1,461 57.5/1,461
5 Vehicle width, without outside
mirror 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683
6 Wheelbase
97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467
7 Vehicle length
146.8/3,728 147/3,734 148/3,758
All dimensions in inches/mm. Minimum turning radius dia.: 35 ft 10 in/10.7 m.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCETechnical data
200
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
1Vehicle height without roof
antenna 54.5/1,384 54.7/1,390 54.8/1,391
2 Track, front
57.4/1,459 57.2/1,453 57.2/1,453
3 Vehicle width, with outside
mirror 74.5/1,892 74.5/1,892 74.5/1,892
4 Track, rear
57.8/1,467 57.5/1,461 57.5/1,461
5 Vehicle width, without outside
mirror 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683
6 Wheelbase
97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467
7 Vehicle length
146.8/3,728 147/3,734 148/3,758
All dimensions in inches/mm. Minimum turning radius dia.: 35 ft 10 in/10.7 m.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
REFERENCETechnical data
202
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
1Vehicle height without roof
antenna 55.7/1,414 55.7/1,414 55.7/1,414
2 Track, front
57.4/1,459 57.2/1,453 57.2/1,453
3 Vehicle width, with outside
mirror 75.3/1,913 75.3/1,913 75.3/1,913
4 Track, rear
57.8/1,467 57.5/1,461 57.5/1,461
5 Vehicle width, without outside
mirror 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683 66.3/1,683
6 Wheelbase
97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467 97.1/2,467
7 Vehicle length
146.6/3,723 146.8/3,729 148/3,758
All dimensions in inches/mm. Minimum turning radius dia.: 35 ft 10 in/10.7 m.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG